University of Lynchburg President Dr. Kenneth R. Garren signed this proclamation and read it in a cabinet meeting on January 28, 2016.

A PROCLAMATION

to the University of Lynchburg Community

WHEREAS the mission of University of Lynchburg is to develop students with strong character and balanced perspectives; and

WHEREAS the leadership and examples provided by faculty and staff are crucial to that goal; and

WHEREAS John Gerald Eccles has served the University of Lynchburg Community with his leadership and his personal example for 30 years — first as Director of Housing and now as Vice President and Dean for Student Development; and

WHEREAS John’s wife, A.J., has been a constant support for him, and has touched the lives of many University of Lynchburg students through her service as a tutor, mentor, and teacher; and

WHEREAS John and A.J. exemplify many attributes that we hope University of Lynchburg students will emulate: critical thinking, ethical action, empathetic understanding, dedicated service, and a sense of humor; and

WHEREAS John and A.J. have made it known that they intend to retire at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 Academic Year; and

WHEREAS our students, faculty, and staff will miss John’s fun campus update e-mails, his “gnarly beard,” and his welcoming attitude; as well as A.J.’s dedicated teaching, cheerful smile, and positive influence; and

WHEREAS it is the desire of University of Lynchburg to celebrate the life and legacy that John and A. J. have forged here;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Dr. Kenneth R. Garren, do hereby recognize and proclaim Saturday, April 23, 2016 as THE DAY OF ECCLES; a day for University of Lynchburg alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the Eccles family to come together and celebrate the contributions that this wonderful couple has made in their many years of service to our community.